Utility designed to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushing

ABSTRACT

An automatic pool cleaning attachment brush for the purpose of non-manual bristle brushing of any swimming pool surface. The inventive device includes a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) mounting plate with pre-drilled holes, bristle brushes, and stainless steel mounting screws. The self-tapping stainless steel screws are used for mounting my invention to the back of an existing automatic swimming pool cleaner. The PVC plate contains pre-drilled holes for easy installation. Bristle brushes are the main components which provide the unique action which is the principle and concept of my invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to swimming pool brushing andmore specifically it relates to automatic pool cleaning vacuumattachments for the purpose of maximum cleaning performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It can be appreciated that swimming pool brushing has been recommendedfor years. Typically, swimming pool brushing activities are performedmanually by using a bristle brush attachment on a pole. In addition,there have been creations of attachments to automatic swimming poolcleaners to try and provide the same benefit as the manual bristlebrushing. This product is referred to as The Pool*Scrubber.

The main problem with conventional swimming pool brushing is that it isa manual task. The main problem with The Pool*Scrubber device is that itonly wipes the swimming pool surface using a semi-abrasive spongematerial. This wiping action does not completely remove biofilms andother microorganisms, including algae, from the swimming pool's surface.Another problem with The Pool*Scrubber is that the sponge can getclogged with biofilms, microorganisms, and algae which renders theproduct useless until cleaned. Another problem with The Pool*Scrubber isthat it does not remove or dislodge sedimentation from the swimmingpool's surface.

While The Pool*Scrubber device may be suitable for the particularpurpose to which it addresses, it is not a suitable replacement forswimming pool brushing. My invention utilizes an attachment to existingautomatic swimming pool cleaners for the purpose of non-manual bristlebrushing of any swimming pool surface. The main problem with ThePool*Scrubber is that by only wiping the swimming pool surface using asemi-abrasive sponge material, it is not meeting the industry'sstandards of suggestions and recommendations for bristle brushingaction. Also, another problem is that it does not remove or dislodgesedimentation from the swimming pool's surface.

In these respects, my invention is designed to eliminate most manualswimming pool brushing. Accordingly, the present invention substantiallydeparts from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, andin so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose ofutilizing an attachment to existing automatic swimming pool cleaners forthe purpose of non-manual bristle brushing of any swimming pool surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofswimming pool brushing now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new utility designed to eliminate most manualswimming pool brushing by utilizing an attachment to existing automaticswimming pool cleaners for the purpose of non-manual bristle brushing ofany swimming pool surface.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new utility designed toeliminate most manual swimming pool brushing that has many of theadvantages of the swimming pool brushing mentioned heretofore. Inaddition, many novel features that result in a new utility designed toeliminate most manual swimming pool brushing which is not anticipated,rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior artregarding swimming pool brushing, either alone or in any combinationthereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a PolyvinylChloride (PVC) mounting plate with pre-drilled holes, bristle brushes,and self-tapping stainless steel mounting screws. The PVC plate containspre-drilled holes for easy installation. Bristle brushes are the maincomponents which create the unique action my invention provides.Stainless screws (self-tapping) are used to attach the PVC plate to anexisting automatic swimming pool cleaner. It is the use of bristlebrushes that distinguishes and defines the principal and concept of myinvention.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofmay be better understood, and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not beregarded as limiting.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a utilitywhich is designed to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushing thatwill overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a utility which isdesigned to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushing by utilizing anattachment to existing automatic swimming pool cleaners for the purposeof non-manual bristle brushing of any swimming pool surface.

Another goal is to provide a utility which is designed to meet bristlebrushing action recommendations and suggestions of all leading swimmingpool chemical suppliers, manufacturers, builders, and service companiesas part of a proper maintenance program while eliminating most manualswimming pool brushing.

Another objective is to provide a utility which is designed to break theprotective shell or membranes of biofilms and other microorganismspresent on swimming pool surfaces. The constant bristle brushing actionexposes them to sanitizing and oxidizing chemicals present within theswimming pool. Thus, the biofilms and microorganisms will be eliminatedas a potential threat to the swimming pool. Dislodging and breaking theprotective shell of biofilms and microorganisms are advantageous toswimming pool owners.

Another objective is to provide a utility which is designed in a mannerwhich will not get clogged with biofilms, microorganisms, or algae andbe rendered useless.

Another objective is to provide a utility which is designed to renderconstant bristle brushing action in a manner in which users may avoidmost manual swimming pool brushing activities.

Another objective is to provide a utility which is designed to allow forautomatic and constant bristle brushing action which will assist instain prevention by keeping debris dislodged from the swimming pool'ssurface.

Another goal is to provide a utility which is designed to allow constantbristle brushing action to keep any swimming pool surface free fromdebris.

Another objective is to provide a utility which is designed to enhancethe ability of swimming pool owners to perform fewer tasks in order toadhere to proper maintenance recommendations.

Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will becomeobvious to the reader and it is intended that these are within the scopeof the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related goals, this invention maybe embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a front and side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 2 is a front and side perspective view installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate a design to eliminate most manual swimmingpool brushing, which comprises a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) mounting platewith pre-drilled holes, bristle brushes, and stainless steel mountingscrews. The PVC plate contains pre-drilled holes for easy installation.Bristle brushes are the main component for the unique action myinvention provides. Stainless steel screws (self-tapping) are used toattach the PVC plate to an existing automatic swimming pool cleaner.

The invention utilizes a Polyvinyl Chloride material, also known as PVC,for its mounting plate. PVC is a widely used thermoplastic that has manyuses across many industries. The PVC mounting plate is 7 7/16″ (sevenand seven-sixteenth inches) in length and 1⅞″ (one and seven-eighthsinches) tall. In addition, it is molded with a 45 (forty-five) degreeangle in order to place the bristle brushes in the proper position. ThePVC plate contains pre-drilled holes for easy installation. Currentmodels already designed are for the Polaris model 180, model 280automatic swimming pool cleaners. Versions for the Polaris model 360 andmodel 380 are also available with a minor design change to the mountingplate size. Additionally, minor changes are being made for the PentairLegend and Legend II models automatic swimming pool cleaners. PentairLegend and Legend II models automatic swimming pool cleaners will usethe same design as the Polaris models with the exception of a shortermounting plate.

Bristle brushes are the main component for the unique action myinvention provides. It is the bristle brushes that create the uniqueprincipals and concepts that are the foundation for my invention. Thebristle brushes are 1¾″ (one and three-quarter inches) in length. Thebristle brushes are inserted into the PVC plate. The bristle brushesprovide action to the swimming pool surface that creates the uniquebenefit of my invention. The size of the row of bristle brushes willvary between models, but will always match the length of the PVC plate.The bristle brush length may also change in order to accommodate thevarious ride-heights of other automatic swimming pool cleaners. Thechanges will be made in order to maximize the functionality of myinvention as it is adapted to more models of automatic swimming poolcleaners. It is the use of bristle brushes that distinguishes anddefines the principle and concept of my invention.

Stainless steel screws (self-tapping) are used to attach the PVC plateto all existing automatic swimming pool cleaners. The self-tappingstainless steel screws are used to mount my invention to the back of anexisting automatic swimming pool cleaner. Stainless steel does notcorrode, rust, or stain as easily as other steels. It makes for abeneficial application considering my invention is designed to be usedunder water which is treated with sanitizing, oxidizing, and otherconventional swimming pool water treatment chemicals. The self-tappingstainless steel screws should remain the same for all variations andapplications of my product.

My invention utilizes three main components. A PVC plate with a row ofbristle brushes attached during production. Self-tapping stainless steelmounting screws will be utilized to mount my invention to the back of anexisting automatic swimming pool cleaner. The PVC plate containspre-drilled holes for easy installation. As part of the productionprocess, the PVC plate will be extruded with receiver holes for thebristle brush insertion. Alternative variations of my invention willinclude only size and shape changes in order to be adaptable to a widevariety of automatic swimming pool cleaners. Variations for adaptabilitydo not change the concept or principle regarding the use or benefits ofmy invention.

The invention operates by being attached to the back of an existingautomatic swimming pool cleaner. When attached, it provides constantbristle brushing action to the swimming pool surface as the automaticcleaner moves throughout the swimming pool. It is appropriate for use inall swimming pools and on all types of swimming pool finishes orsurfaces. Swimming pool finish types include: painted, vinyl, white orcolored dyed plaster, marbelite, quartz, and aggregate. The constantbristle brushing action provides users with the ability to avoid mostmanual swimming pool brushing activities. By providing continuousbristle brushing action, swimming pools will be freer from biofilms, acomplex aggregation of microorganisms that are distinguished by boththeir protective and adhesive matrix qualities. As defined by Wikipedia,“Biofilms are also often characterized by surface attachment, structuralheterogeneity, genetic diversity, complex community interactions, and anextra-cellular matrix of polymeric substances”. The constant bristlebrushing action exposes biofilms to sanitizing and oxidizing chemicalspresent within the swimming pool by breaking their protective shell.Thus, biofilms will be eliminated as a potential threat to the swimmingpool. Dislodging and breaking the protective shell of the biofilms isadvantageous to swimming pool owners. The uniqueness of my invention isfound in the continuous brushing action of the bristles.

My invention is lightweight and easy to install. Professionalinstallation is not required. No other product on the market providesconstant bristle brushing to any swimming pool surface while attached toan operational automatic swimming pool cleaner. Bristle brushing is adirect activity recommended by all leading swimming pool chemicalsuppliers, manufacturers, builders, and service companies as part of aproper maintenance program. Swimming pool brushing is an action includedin maintenance programs for all swimming pool types and surfaces. Inaddition, the bristles are non-absorbent and thus will not accumulatebiofilms, microorganisms, algae, or other sediment within theirstructure. In addition, the constant bristle brushing will help keepswimming pools more resistant to organic staining. Leaves and othersimilar organic debris can naturally enter a swimming pool via theenvironmental surroundings and have the potential for causing stains.The constant bristle brushing action will assist in stain prevention bykeeping the debris dislodged from the swimming pool's surface. Also, thebristle brushing action will assist in the removal of some stains leftbehind by debris that has been allowed to accumulate.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention—toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and usage—are deemed readily apparent and obviousto a person skilled in the art and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A utility designed to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushingcomprising: a. a linear brush assembly b. a pre-drilled mounting platebody housing bristles in a 45 degree angle from the mounting plate. c.two self tapping stainless steel screws
 2. A utility designed toeliminate most manual swimming pool brushing of claim 1, wherein themounting plate is manufactured of resin based materials.
 3. A utilitydesigned to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushing of claim 1,wherein the mounting plate is manufactured of metallic materials.
 4. Autility designed to eliminate most manual swimming pool brushing ofclaim 1 wherein the mounting plate is manufactured of polyvinylchloride.
 5. A utility designed to eliminate most manual swimming poolbrushing of claim 1 wherein the brush assembly embodies bristles rangingfrom one to two inches in length.
 6. A utility designed to eliminatemost manual swimming pool brushing of claim 1 wherein the assembly ismanufactured in several dimensions to fit a multitude of automaticswimming pool cleaners.
 7. A utility designed to eliminate most manualswimming pool brushing of claim 1 wherein the angle varies from 40-50degrees.
 8. A utility designed to eliminate most manual swimming poolbrushing comprising a brush assembly, two mounting holes and a fortyfive degree mounting plate.
 9. A utility designed to eliminate mostmanual swimming pool brushing of claim 8 wherein the brush assemblyextends the entire length of the device parallel to the angle apex.